Articles

Protecting children by preserving their families: a selective research perspective on family reunification

Authors

  • Barbara Thomlison University of Calgary
  • Anthony N. Maluccio Boston College, Massachusetts
  • Lois W. Wright University of South Carolina, Columbia

Abstract

This paper summarizes selective research initiatives in family reunification by presenting the key themes and issues. Considerable debate prevails regarding practice and policy issues to protect children as well as consider their rights to family of origin connections. Does family reunification work? The answer is a tentative 'yes', for some children and families. Research supports that reunification of children and their families is more likely to succeed when supported by a comprehensive framework of policies, strategies and resources. To further consider the nature of the services necessary and sufficient to assist children and their families in maintaining reunification links, research is needed to specify best practices in this complex area.

Author Biographies

Barbara Thomlison, University of Calgary

Barbara Thomlison, Ph.D. is Professor at the Faculty of Social Work, University
of Calgary, Canada.

Anthony N. Maluccio, Boston College, Massachusetts

Anthony N. Maluccio, DSW is Professor and Chair at the School of Social Work, Boston College, Massachusetts, USA.

Lois W. Wright, University of South Carolina, Columbia

Lois W. Wright, Ph.D. works at the Center for Child and Family Studies, College of Social Work, University of South Carolina, Columbia

IJCFW 1996-2

Published

1996-11-01

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 2 (1996)

Section

Articles